Paddle
Paddle , intransitive verb
[Probably for pattle, and a dim. of pat, v.; compare also English pad to tread, Prov. German paddeln, padden, to walk with short steps, to paddle, German patschen to splash, dash, dabble, French patouiller to dabble, splash, from patte a paw. r21.]
1.
To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes. [Obsolete] — Shakespeare
2.
To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc.
As the men were paddling for their lives.
While paddling ducks the standing lake desire.
Paddle , transitive verb
1.
To pat or stroke amorously, or gently. [Obsolescent]
To be paddling palms and pinching fingers.
2.
To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.
3.
To pad; to tread upon; to trample. [Provincial English]
4.
To spank with a paddle or as if with a paddle; -- usually as a disciplinary punishment of children.
5.
To mix (a viscous liquid) by stirring or beating with a paddle.
Paddle , noun
[See Paddle, v. i.]
1.
An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.
2.
The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made;
any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle, such as that used in table tennis.
Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon.
3.
One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.
4.
A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; -- also called clough.
5.
(Zoology) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.
6.
A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.
7.
See Paddle staff (b), below. [Provincial English]
Collocations (6)
Paddle beam (Shipbuilding) , one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel.
Paddle board , See Paddle, n., 3.
Paddle shaft , the revolving shaft which carries the paddle wheel of a steam vessel.
Paddle staff , (a) A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. [Provincial English] (b) A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; -- called also plow staff. [Provincial English]
Paddle steamer , a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels, in distinction from a screw propeller.
Paddle wheel , the propelling wheel of a steam vessel, having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel's length.